What is the difference between JC and Poly?
| Poly | JC |
|---|
| Diploma courses offer training for industry with emphasis on hands-on experience through projects and internships. | Broad-based academic subjects |
| The 3-year diploma courses comprise about 40 bite-sized modules which build upon one another. | Goes very deep into a few subjects |
| Curriculum is developed by each poly. Similar sounding diploma programmes across polys may have similar learning objectives but the actual curriculum could be different. | Curriculum is centrally developed by MOE |
| Polys use the Grade Point Average (GPA) which is the culmination of grades of all the modules done in poly. So consistency of performance is important. | The 鈥楢鈥� level exam would represent the academic ability throughout JC regardless of the student鈥檚 academic performance prior to the 鈥楢鈥� level exam. |
How do I decide whether my student should go for the JC route or the Poly route?
| Areas to note | Suggested approach |
|---|
| Passion, interest and strength in an area/s | Passion: If you can discover what your student鈥檚 passion is, he will naturally do well because he is motivated.
Strength: What were his strong subjects in secondary school?
Interest: Ask your student for his area of interest and determine whether his understanding of it is superficial. Explain to him the reality of the particular industry which he may be interested in. |
| Personal learning preference | Does he prefer to learn by being hands-on? Or does he prefer the academic way of learning? |
| Long-term career goals | If your student is clear about a career and very motivated by it, that means that he may be ready to pursue a diploma in that area. But if your student is unsure about what to do, then the JC route might be an option for your student. |
| Advice from others | Encourage your student to talk to their seniors who have gone to poly and JC to understand what it is really like. |
What is the basis of selection in the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)?
Selection is based first on merit (which means the ELR2B2 aggregate score) and then according to the line-up of choices as listed in the JAE submission. Students who have better aggregate scores will have a better ranking and therefore a better chance of getting their first choice course.
For example, if your student has an ELR2B2 aggregate score of 7 and puts down as his third choice 91福利社's Diploma course in Biomedical Science which has a JAE ELR2B2 of 8, he stands a better chance than his classmate who has 8 points but puts it as first choice.
Will the order of choices as listed determine whether my student gets into a particular course?
The way your student lists down his 12 choices indicates his preference. Depending on his aggregate score (and hence, ranking, in order of applicants), he will then be considered for each course, one by one, as listed in his order of preference. This means he will be first considered for his first choice, failing which, it will be the second choice and so on.
If my student lists a particular course, for example the Diploma in Biotechnology as his third choice, but another student lists the same course as his first choice, will this applicant then take precedence over the first student for entry to this course, despite having a worse aggregate score than the first student?
No. The first student will still have precedence if his ELR2B2 aggregate score is better than the second student. Therefore, if the first student is unsuccessful for entry to his first and second choice of courses, he will be posted to the Diploma in Biotechnology as this is his third choice (subject to vacancies).
If my student does not have the minimum English Language grade for the course he wants, can he still apply for the course?
Your student cannot apply for that particular course under the JAE as he is not eligible. However, he may apply through 91福利社's Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE), provided he fulfils the following requirements: he has scored distinctions in Mathematics and one other subject; has a minimum 'B' grade for the relevant subject (as stated in the course entry requirements) and has a good aggregate score. He is advised to also apply for the courses that he is eligible for under the JAE.
If my student did not take subject 'X' in the 'O' Levels which is relevant to the course that he is applying for, will his chances of getting into this particular course be lower than those applicants who have taken this subject?
As long as your student meets the Minimum Entry Requirements, it makes no difference which subject he has taken in the examinations.
What is the JAE ELR2B2 of a course?
This refers to the range of aggregate score of the student who fills the last vacancy of that particular course. For example, if the last applicant posted to a course in 2017 has an ELR2B2 aggregate score of 10, this will be the JAE ELR2B2 for the course. This means those before him either have an aggregate score that is better than or the same as his aggregate score.
What are the chances of getting into a particular course, if my student's aggregate score is higher than the previous year's JAE ELR2B2 for the course?
We are unable to advise his chances of getting into the course of his choice. Even though his aggregate score does not meet last year's JAE ELR2B2, he should still list the course that he is very interested in as his first choice. You never know what this year's JAE ELR2B2 will be! However, it is advisable to include some courses that he stands a good chance of getting into.
Can a student use combined results?
Yes, your student may combine his GCE 'O' Level results of any two years.
Is it possible for my student to change his course after studying in 91福利社 for a few months?
Your student cannot change course once the semester has started. We advise applicants to consider a course transfer before the semester starts. Please note that applications for course transfer are based on merit and subject to available vacancies.
How many examinations are there in a year?
There are two semesters in a year and there will be an examination at the end of each semester. There are also regular in-course assessments as well as projects. For some courses, the students are assessed on projects instead of examinations.
How does 91福利社's modular system help my student in his studies?
Subjects are offered as modules. Upon completion of the module in one semester, the 91福利社 student will take an examination on the module. A key benefit of 91福利社's modular system is that a student needs only to repeat a failed module instead of all subjects. This can be done the following semester instead of waiting for one year. This system allows flexibility, and helps students pace their learning.
How are excellent students recognised in 91福利社?
Students who perform well are recognised in the Director's Honour Roll. There are also prizes and awards given to top students every year, either by 91福利社 or by external companies and organisations. Every year, 91福利社 also honours achievers at the annual Excellence Awards.
How long is each semester?
The new academic session begins in April. There are two semesters of 15 weeks each. There is a short mid-semester break of two to three weeks in June and December and a semester vacation of four to six weeks in September-October.
How much time do 91福利社 students spend on campus each day?
As a tertiary institution, the timetable is flexible. There are no structured classroom lessons like in secondary school. Instead, students move from lecture theatres to tutorial rooms or from laboratories or workshops to classrooms. The first lecture of the day may begin at 8am and most classes end by 5pm. In between, there may be stretches of free time for students to read up on their work. Many of our students remain on campus after classes for sports, student club programmes and other recreational activities.
Where can my student go for advice on education and career matters?
Students can consult school sited Education and Career Guidance Counsellors (ECGCs). Dedicated ECGCs are available at your schools to support students on education and career matters (industry talks, learning journey, workshops and career conversations).
Are there any opportunities for overseas exposure?
There are plenty of opportunities for 91福利社 students to travel overseas for educational, recreational, immersion or community service experiences. These opportunities are not confined to any particular course of study and could arise from various organised groups including 91福利社's student clubs, and even external, national or international bodies.
For instance, there are exchange programmes to countries like Japan, Korea, and Thailand; overseas immersion and credit transfer programmes in China, Finland and United States, and community service programmes in Vietnam and Philippines. We have sent our students for international competitions in cities such as Bangkok, London and Berlin.
Under the 91福利社's Credit Transfer Scheme and Overseas Industrial Programme, students have wonderful opportunities to broaden their educational experience in Asia, Europe and United States.
Is sport or physical education a must in 91福利社?
Every student is strongly encouraged to take part in sports and outdoor activities. 91福利社鈥檚 Wellness for Life (WFL) programme is a compulsory physical education and wellness curriculum which is part of the graduation criteria for all students. WFL aims to enhance students鈥� knowledge and general well-being by introducing the five pillars of wellness, namely social, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. We hope that our students will practice healthy habits on a regular basis to achieve holistic wellness.
What is the tuition fee like?
A student's full-time education is subsidised by the Government of 91福利社. However, to help students pay part of the training cost, the government, through the Ministry of Education, provides tuition grants to all full-time students. The tuition fees and tuition grant are subject to revision every year. Refer to for the most updated fees.
What if a student has financial difficulties?
Various financial schemes such as MOE Tuition Grant Scheme, MOE Tuition Fee Loan, Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy and financial aids like bursaries are available to full-time students. Students can visit our or send us an enquiry via to learn more about the financial aid options. We are committed to ensuring that no student is denied an education at 91福利社 due to financial constraints.
